Objectives

Fields of Specialization

The Doctoral Programme in Animal Science aims to promote advanced training through research. This programme includes specialisations in Genetics and Breeding; Morphology and Physiology; Nutrition; Production Systems; and Animal Product Technology.

Among other requirements laid down in the Specific Regulations of the Doctoral Programme in Animal Science, the absolute condition for submitting the thesis to public examinations is the inclusion in it of at least 1 (one) original article (full length paper) published or accepted for publication in an indexed international journal (SCI), whose 1st author is the doctoral student.

Professional Abilities

PhD students graduating from this programme should demonstrate:

• Advanced mastery of key areas of Animal Science and methodological skills for autonomous and innovative research.
• The ability to communicate scientifically, both written and orally, to specialised and non-specialised audiences.
• Aptitude for knowledge transfer, with a focus on innovation and collaboration with the academic, productive and political sectors.
• Commitment to ethics and social responsibility, particularly in animal welfare, sustainability and scientific integrity.

Management and leadership skills, including project planning, attracting funding and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Employment Prospects

The PDCA prepares professionals for various fields: academia, research centres, industry, governmental and non-governmental agencies. Holders of the degree can work in animal and human nutrition, genetics, animal production and food processing companies. They are also qualified to work in government agencies regulating the production and commercialisation of animal products, health control, animal welfare and public information.

Alternative:

• Academic research in state, regional and local or private institutions
• Research and innovation in the agri-food sector (raw materials companies; animal and human nutrition; animal production; processing and conservation of animal products; biotechnology)
• Data management and processing (technology companies)
• Zoology (nature parks; animal recovery and preservation centres; aquariums and oceanariums; zoos)
• Service provision (equipment; analysis; quality control and management; sales and support services; regulation, administration and inspection);
• Environmental education (advanced scientific communication in the field of animal science)

Information

Course Information:

• Start of academic year: 02 January 2026
• Timetable: Daytime
• Mode of study: In-person
• Language of instruction: English
• Standard Duration of the Course: 4 years (8 semesters)
• Minimum number of students for the cycle of studies to operate – 1

OPEN COMPETITION 2025/2026 link: Vacancies, deadlines and criteria ( document in portuguese and english).

Link: Tuition fees 2025/2026

Re-entry applications link: 25 June to 15 July 2025 - Information here

International Students:
Important information for international students:

International students, find all the information you need to study at the University of Porto at the following links:

• Decree-Law no. 36_2014 of 10 March Regulates the International Student Statute.pdf – document available only in Portuguese.
• International Students - Frequently Asked Questions
• Regulations for the Application of the International Student Statute of the University of Porto
• Special Contests for Admission to Higher Education
• General Regulations for Cycle of Studies

Although foreign candidates do not need recognition of a (graduate/master) degree to enroll in the Doctoral Programs in Portugal, if they want to apply for doctoral scholarships it will be necessary to have the recognition.


Data Protection Policy:
Consult the U.Porto Data Protection Policy here for more information on the processing of your personal data. 

Contacts

General information

Study Plan

Certificates

Predominant Scientific Areas

Previous Courses/Cycles of Study